Can I keep chickens in Easton, MD?
Yes — Easton allows backyard chickens with a required permit/registration. (Chapter 4 Article I §§ 4-1 through 4-4 (Animals and Fowl - In General), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes ($0) |
| Coop rules | Must be kept in clean and sanitary condition, free from obnoxious odors at all times; poultry may not run at large within town limits. |
| Code section | Chapter 4 Article I §§ 4-1 through 4-4 (Animals and Fowl - In General) |
Easton allows poultry keeping subject to a free license, mandatory sanitary conditions, and a prohibition on poultry running at large. The primary code (Ordinance 9, effective 1/1/1941) sets no numeric hen limit and no setback distance. A license is required but issued without fee.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Easton?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Easton (Chapter 4 Article I §§ 4-1 through 4-4 (Animals and Fowl - In General)).
How many chickens can I keep in Easton?
It depends on your lot. Primary code sets no numeric hen limit; aggregator sources report 6-hen cap but this could not be verified in primary code text.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Easton?
Yes — Easton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $0).
What law covers backyard chickens in Easton?
Chapter 4 Article I §§ 4-1 through 4-4 (Animals and Fowl - In General). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 4 Article I §§ 4-1 through 4-4 (Animals and Fowl - In General) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for poultry to be turned loose or to be allowed to run at large within the town limits. (Ordinance 9 effective 1/1/1941)” source
“All persons raising poultry or animals within the town, whether for commercial purposes or otherwise, shall be required to keep the same at all times in a clean and sanitary condition and free from obnoxious odors. (Ordinance 9 effective 1/1/1941)” source
“All persons engaged in the raising or breeding of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, hares and/or guinea pigs within the limits of the town, for commercial purposes, shall be required to obtain a license ... said license shall be issued without a fee. (Ordinance 9 effective 1/1/1941)” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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